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Find the Right Program for Your Teen
The Rustic Pathways admissions team has helped thousands of families plan meaningful travel experiences. Rustic Pathways is here to answer every question, from safety protocols to packing lists.
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What Happens After You Contact Rustic Pathways?
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Programs matched to your teen
Common Questions
Quick answers to what families ask most.
How does Rustic Pathways ensure student safety?
Rustic Pathways maintains a verified 4.37:1 staff-to-student ratio (83% better than industry standards), employs a full-time Medical Director, and publishes incident data quarterly. 87.7% of all logged incidents are GREEN severity (minor issues like headaches or bug bites). The average parent notification time is 27 minutes from any incident.
What's included in the program cost?
Rustic Pathways program prices include: accommodations, all meals, activities, in-country transportation, travel medical insurance, visa support, and 24/7 staff supervision. The only additional costs are international airfare (Rustic Pathways can help arrange this) and spending money for personal souvenirs. No hidden fees or surprise add-ons.
What age students can travel with Rustic Pathways?
Rustic Pathways serves students ages 12-22. The Young Explorers programs (ages 12-13) have enhanced supervision at 1:5 ratios. Most summer programs serve ages 14-18, with gap year programs for ages 17-22. Rustic Pathways matches program intensity and independence level to each age group.
Is it possible to contact Rustic Pathways alumni and families?
Absolutely. Rustic Pathways can connect you with alumni families from similar programs. 65% of families heard about Rustic Pathways through friends or family referrals, and many are happy to share their experience. Rustic Pathways admissions counselors can help to arrange a conversation.
Does Rustic Pathways accommodate dietary restrictions or medical needs?
Yes. Rustic Pathways accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-based diets with advance notice. For medical conditions, the Medical Director reviews complex cases personally. Rustic Pathways has successfully accommodated students with diabetes, ADHD, anxiety, asthma, and many other conditions.
Meet The Rustic Pathways Admissions Team
Real people with real travel experience, ready to help your family.
Scott Ingram
Director of Admissions
At Rustic since 2018 · Japan Country Director
Fluent Japanese. Master's in Japanese Studies. Matches families with programs.
Emily Green
Admissions Counselor
At Rustic since 2022
Former Program Leader. Matches students with the right adventures.
Anna Beckerman
Head of School Group Travel
At Rustic since 2010 · 321+ school partners
Dartmouth College. Top 50 Women Leaders 2024. Led programs on 6 continents.
Kayla Anzalone
Director of Parent Experience
At Rustic since 2020 · Portugal Operations
Former program leader across 6 countries. Your point person for questions.
Dr. William R. Smith, MD
Medical Director · Board-Certified Emergency Medicine
20+ years wilderness medicine. U.S. Army Reserve Colonel. Designed all Rustic Pathways medical protocols. Field-tested programs in Kilimanjaro, Fiji, and Dominican Republic.
Hear From Alumni Parents
Real families share their experience working with Rustic Pathways.
"I called with about 100 questions before letting my daughter go to Thailand. Scott spent 45 minutes with me and even followed up with an email summary. That level of care sold me."
Jennifer M.
Parent, Thailand 2024
"When a typhoon changed our son's itinerary, we got a call within 20 minutes explaining exactly what was happening. That communication was everything."
Robert D.
Parent, Fiji 2024
"First time sending our kid anywhere without us. The team walked us through safety protocols and made us feel like partners. She came back a different kid -in the best way."
Karen & Luis T.
Parents, Costa Rica 2024
Why Families Trust Rustic Pathways
Industry-leading safety standards backed by 43 years of experience.
Safety By The Numbers
Every Leader Is Certified
- Background checked (criminal, sex offender registry)
- CPR & First Aid certified
- Wilderness medicine training
- 24/7 emergency line access
- Emergency evacuation insurance included
Recognized & Accredited
Response Times
24/7 Emergency Hotline (during programs)
+1 (440) 220-4565Global Headquarters
Email Us Directly
Student Travel
rustic@rusticpathways.comSchool Groups
groups@rusticpathways.comGap Year
gap@rusticpathways.comSafety
safety@rusticpathways.comReady to Start the Conversation?
No pressure, no commitment -just answers to your questions from people who've helped thousands of families.
155,829 students since 1983 · 38 countries